Booze News

American Harvest vodka launches, Payette Brewing Company opening soon

This edition of food news is brought to you by food's good pal, booze. First up on the hooch beat, Distilled Resources Inc., a private label vodka distillery based out of Rigby, has added another little one to its line-up. American Harvest Organic Spirit joins other notable brands distilled and bottled at DRinc, like Blue Ice, Teton Glacier, 44 North and Square One Vodka and will be available on liquor store shelves in Idaho beginning May 1.

The American Harvest brand is the creation of Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., founded by the deceased booze baron who originally pioneered Grey Goose vodka before selling it to Bacardi for $2.3 billion in 2004. The vodka had its official launch party at Barbacoa on April 25. For more information, visit americanharvestspirit.com.

Speaking of liquor, after 17 years, Brick Oven Bistro finally snagged a liquor license. Though the cafeteria-style comfort grub hub in the Grove Plaza has been slinging wine and beer for a long time, it's now serving bloody marys and other cocktails. For more info, visit brickovenbistro.com.

On the suds front, Garden City is about to get its very own craft brewery: The Payette Brewing Company. Boisean Mike Francis has been working feverishly throughout the month of April installing brew kettle vents and getting water piped into the brewing system at his warehouse space at 111 W. 33rd St. He hopes to open the week of May 16. In addition to brewing beer like the Outlaw IPA and the Payette Pale Ale, Payette Brewing will also feature a public tasting room, which will seat 25-30 people. For more information, visit payettebrewing.com.

In other brews news, the Fourth Annual All Idaho Hausbrau Battle and Organic Homebrew Challenge is back. Home-brewers from across the state are invited to submit their handmade concoctions in the following categories: 4C Schwarzbier, 10C American Brown Ale, 13B Sweet Stout, 18E Belgian Dark Strong Ale (Quad) and 23 Sticke Alt. This year's organic homebrew category is 15A German Weizen, which must be concocted with at least 95 percent organic ingredients.

The Organic Homebrew Challenge public judging and tasting event will be held at Fatty's on Saturday, June 18, from 4-6 p.m. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at Boise Community Radio's Solstice Block Party at 7 p.m. that evening. For more info on how and where to submit entries, visit boisecoop.com or contact Matt Gelsthorpe at matt@idahobeerunited.org.